Browsing by Author "Rateau, Richard J."
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- 4-H Agent Longevity and Youth Participation and Perception: A Case StudyRansdell, Leona P. (Virginia Tech, 2018-12-13)This study examined the influence of the 4-H agent and how the length of time an agent is employed in a community affects the perception of the quality and visibility of the 4-H program based on the theory of Positive Youth Development. The objective of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between the length of time an agent has been employed in a county and what effect, if any, it has on the perceptions of the youth ages 14-19 that are enrolled in the 4-H program. A total of 138 youth participated in the survey from 21 different counties in Virginia. The study found the positive influence of the 4-H agent in a county and the 4-H program and that these employees are an important part of a youth’s 4-H career. Further research is needed to determine the time at which agents begin to make significant impact on the youth enrolled in their county programs. Programmatic recommendations include conducting a more in depth needs assessment including agents in the 8-11 year employment range and outside stakeholders.
- 4-H Presentation Contest in Homeschool Learning: A Case StudyEstep, Taylor (Virginia Tech, 2021-03-08)The purpose of this project is to determine why homeschool teachers in Tazewell County, Virginia support and implement the Virginia 4-H presentations program and what potential life skills are learned by students. The theoretical framework for this study was the Experiential Learning Theory and Model. A qualitative case study was developed to determine why teachers utilize the contest and what potential life skills they feel students learn. The participants of this study were two Tazewell County homeschool teachers that implemented the program and subsequent contest each year with students. Teachers participated in a pre and post-interview that was audio recorded and transcribed. Themes that emerged included potential life skills learned and provided a better understanding as to why this contest has been supported for over 25 years. Recommendations from the research include conducting a similar study throughout the state to examine a larger sample. Practitioner recommendations include introducing new ways to implement the contest into teacher’s educational curriculum and share other teachers’ rubrics and lesson plans for this contest. Both would be beneficial in creating a more universal contest.
- The Academic Experience of African-American Male Student-AthletesHill, Ahmed (Virginia Tech, 2019-12-09)This paper explores the academic experience of former African-American student-athletes who have graduated from Virginia Tech. Student-athletes choose to attend college for many different reasons and once enrolled, they often face challenges such as time management. Academic support centers have developed throughout the country at various institutions to assist student-athletes with the academic challenges that they may face. Through interviews with former student-athletes, this paper was developed to answer two research questions: What experiences have positively impacted African-American male student-athletes’ academic success and graduation? And, what support initiatives and/or programs have student-athlete support offices implemented at Virginia Tech to support African-American male student-athletes? Seven former student-athletes were interviewed in this study and results show that the majority of those interviewed chose to attend Virginia Tech to play basketball and to receive a strong education. The biggest challenge faced by student-athletes was time management. The most utilized resources were: academic advisors, professors, tutoring, and relationships with coaches, teammates, and others. All of the student-athletes interviewed had a positive experience at Virginia Tech and were pleased with their decision to obtain a degree. In terms of the programming for African-Americans, common themes were that they did not want to be stereotyped. Implications and recommendations based on this research include continuing to support the African-American student-athlete population by developing relationships with them.
- A Comparison of Social Media Engagement Tactics Utilized by the Washington Nationals Twitter AccountCaskey, Taylor C. (Virginia Tech, 2021-08-14)The increase in social media usage over the years by people all over has impacted businesses today. Sports teams specifically have a huge platform and do their best to stay engaged with fans in order to increase fanship and game attendance. The Washington Nationals, who have been on Twitter since its start in March 2006, have adapted different styles and linguistics of tweets to engage with their audience (Swani et al., 2014). The paper outlines motivators for social use, twitter background, and social media marketing plans. This research focused on determining if there was a relationship between the type of tweet the Washington Nationals posted and the type of interaction they received. A regression analysis was run on the types of tweets and engagement numbers. These types of tweets include photos, videos, final score updates, and other forms of media. SME guided the research as the researcher attempted to answer what media is most likely to increase engagement. However, the regression analysis determined that there was no significant correlation. Final scores received the most overall engagement and likes while the video category received the most retweets and comments.
- Evaluating Career Development Success in Student Athletes: A Literature ReviewCamp, Rachel (Virginia Tech, 2019-09-06)The literature review will examine student-athletes preparedness for career preparedness after they retire and graduate. After years of commitment, retirement from sport is expected, whether that is due to injury, personal reasons, or exhausted athletic eligibility. Utilizing career development programs where transferable skills are taught helps student-athletes’ recognize their strengths and help prepare them for the next chapter in life are key to the transition. A comprehensive review of the literature was organized based on the research question. The literature indicated that the transition experience is a process that requires support and programming provided to them from the athletic department to help them prepare for their career and life after sport. This literature review recognizes that success in student-athletes transition is based upon resources such as support, programs, and mentoring. It is important for institutions to provide career planning early and often for student-athletes in order to prepare them for life after college.
- Exploring a Multi-organizational Leadership Team’s Problem-Solving StylesBurcham, Erin (Virginia Tech, 2018-01-02)As multiple Roanoke based companies began to move out of the region, a large number of community leader began to fear for long-term economic stability. Three of the largest organizations in the region came together to envision a healthcare, education, and life science district on the outskirts of downtown Roanoke. The leaders of the City of Roanoke, Carilion Clinic and Virginia Tech ideated about a mile-long district from Roanoke Memorial Hospital to downtown Roanoke. Their vision was to recruit businesses and industries that were healthcare or life science based or companies that supported these sectors. These sectors were targeted with the hope of attracting knowledge based companies with highly skilled positions that paid higher salaries. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to determine the factors that aided in building a strong leadership team to address economic development issues. The study explored how a multi-organizational leadership team addressed problems by leveraging social capital. The population assessed was the leadership team that is currently leading the Innovation District in Roanoke. A total of 10 individuals participated. All of the participants completed a one-hour semi-structured interview and completed the Kirton Adaption-Innovation Inventory (KAI) as a measure of problem-solving style. Findings of the study include: 1) strong relationships of team members from past experiences form strong teams; 2) through the original members’ social networks the multi-organizational team was formed; 3) team members responses reflected their personal KAI scores as they related to team dynamics; 4) mitigation of Problem Bs in this group increased the effectiveness of solving Problem A for this high performing multi-organizational team; and 5) social capital may leverage effective problem solving when there is mutual respect of team members. The limitations of a case study methodology provides findings that may only be attributed to these participants.
- Food Safety and Waste at Food Recovery LocationsMartindell, Morgan (Virginia Tech, 2019-04-24)Recent data estimates 30% or more of the overall food supply is discarded due to food safety-related issues of spoilage, damage, and expiration (USDA, 2015). At the same time, food insecurity poses an equally significant issue within the United States. There are limited research studies involving food safety and food waste at food recovery locations, particularly in Virginia. This project facilitated semi-structured interviews with five food recovery managers in multiple localities in Virginia on how decisions are made regarding food waste and safety within their facilities. The interviews revealed a need for on-going food safety education, as many food recovery locations struggle with the dilemma of short-term and one-time volunteers, and resources on how to combat food waste through additional redistribution and agricultural waste recovery. Future research should focus on the challenges specific to reducing food waste at food recovery locations in order to better meet the needs of this population.
- The impact of communication skills development on college students’ communication apprehensionRateau, Richard J.; Kaufman, Eric K. (American Association for Agricultural Education, 2009-02-02)The purpose of this study was to determine if college student participation in skills based public speaking class will decrease their communication apprehension (CA) and thereby increase their opportunities for employability and career success.
- Innovative Classroom Strategies that Prepare College Graduates for Workplace SuccessRateau, Richard J.; Kaufman, Eric K.; Cletzer, D. Adam (The American Association for Agricultural Education, 2015-09-30)In our increasingly competitive and rapidly changing world, it is critical that college graduates enter the workforce with the requisite skills for lasting success. However, recent studies suggest employers increasingly identify a workforce readiness gap in core applied skills, which must be bridged by company investment. Teaching strategies that develop applied skills will better prepare graduates for the workforce. The purpose of this study was to describe the classroom strategies of faculty instructors at Virginia Tech who received recognition for teaching excellence. Each participant took part in a semi-structured interview. After analysis, several themes emerged: (a) demonstration of enthusiasm for student learning; (b) willingness to experiment actively with new ideas for practice; (c) approaching teaching with a guiding mentality rather than directing; (d) fostering student ownership of learning; (e) keeping abreast of new developments and practices; and (f) investing the time and resources to overcome barriers to change. These themes signal an underlying trend: Instructors should focus on helping students become life-long learners by teaching how to prioritize and assess information, work in groups, solve problems, and understand divergent perspectives.
- Leadership and Social Change: A Capstone ePortfolio PerspectiveKaufman, Eric K.; Rateau, Richard J. (Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U), 2020-01-25)Capstone courses have proven to be a valuable experience in leader-ship education as well as a valuable tool for programmatic assessment. Within the capstone course, ePortfolios are an excellent tool to collect evidence, reflect on coursework, and apply formal class concepts to nonformal experiences. This session highlights the framework for a capstone course and ePortfolio requirement for Virginia Tech’s undergraduate minor in Leadership and Social Change. Results include anecdotal evidence of student learning within the academic minor and include direct attention to the capstone course objectives.
- Leadership Program Planning: Assessing the Needs and Interests of the Agricultural CommunityKaufman, Eric K.; Rateau, Richard J.; Ellis, Keyana C.; Kasperbauer, Holly Jo; Stacklin, Laura R. (Journal of Leadership Education, 2010-12-01)Needs assessment is the first step in developing a leadership education program. During the spring of 2008 researchers and program planners conducted focus groups sessions with representatives from Virginia’s agricultural community with the goal of assessing the leadership development interests and needs of that community. As one focus group participant shared, “I’ve had leadership programs all along… they didn’t use examples that were real in my world.” The findings of this qualitative study suggest that an agricultural leadership development program should focus on three areas: (a) knowledge of the changing industry; (b) relationship building across industry sectors; and, (c) practical, transferable skill development. The skill areas of interest include creative problem solving, political advocacy, and communication. These findings are similar to previous research on grassroots leadership development, yet they lead to important recommendations for further research and practice.
- The Needs of Virginia Tech Student Athletes During the Transfer ProcessHoman, Ashley G. (Virginia Tech, 2021-09-22)This project described the needs of student-athletes during the transfer process to Virginia Tech and helped provide recommendations for improvement in the University’s process of accepting student athlete transfers. Through literature review, NCAA student athletes, transfer students, transfer portal and process and psychological needs were all researched and discussed. The theoretical framework utilized in the development of the study was Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Study participants included five student athletes, of which were three females and two males; the sports represented included football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, women’s lacrosse and women’s volleyball. The interviews were semi structured and pertained to personal experiences of the transfer experience to Virginia Tech. Through qualitative interviews, information was gathered and analyzed in unique codes that were grouped into categories revealing six emerging themes for recommendations to Virginia Tech support staff. The results indicated that the Virginia Tech support staff should focus on Establishing Communications, Building Relationships, Facilitating Early Introductions, Increasing Knowledge About Academics, Providing a Smooth Admissions Process and Displaying Authenticity and Transparency. The communication between support staff and transfer student athletes should be transparent, correct and remain constant throughout the transfer process. Relationships should begin early in the transfer process and focus on authenticity. The admissions process should be smooth due to receiving help and knowledge from support staff. This study can be used for other institutions that would like to enhance their process of accepting transfer students.
- Positive Youth Development and Agricultural Capacity Building in The BahamasRolle, Ezralee (Virginia Tech, 2018-08-23)Food security and “access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food” (FAO, 2017) in The Bahamas has been compromised by the lack of meaningful and reliable food security programs, and sustainable, self-sufficient food systems (IICA, n.d). The FAO (2014) cited insufficient access of youth to knowledge, information and education as the number one challenge facing agricultural progression. A comprehensive response to meeting the challenges within the agricultural sector requires the investment in youth development in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related programs to bridge the gap between science and agriculture and create the capacity needed to improve the Bahamian agricultural industry. This study examines the role of positive youth development (PYD) programs in improving 4-6 grade students’ science aptitudes and helping to build capacity for agricultural development in The Bahamas. Thirty-seven (n=37) students from two primary schools on Andros, Bahamas, participated in the PYD project Soil to Supper. A pre/post-test questionnaire was administered to collect data on students’ knowledge in science and agriculture before and after participation in the project. Results from this study showed that positive youth development (PYD) programs significantly increase students’ scientific knowledge and agricultural skills. Knowledge gained in science and agriculture through participation in PYD programs could strengthen capacity building and agricultural development by providing skill-building, leadership, and competency developmental opportunities for youth.
- Positive Youth Development in a Sports-Based Youth ProgramGreen, Da'Ja K.; Rateau, Richard J.; Archibald, Thomas G.; Neighbors, James R. (Virginia Tech, 2021-06-14)Positive youth development (PYD) is a framework where organizations and systems focus on promoting the health and well-being of youth rather than simply eliminating their problems (Mahoney & Lafferty, 2003). Youth programs, including sports-based programs, strive to foster PYD through the implementation of life skills building activities. Positive youth development through sport concentrates tremendously on transferring these life skills to various settings, like school, home, and the workforce (Holt et al., 2020). The concept is mainly philosophical and theoretical at its core, so the Five C’s were established as a way to measure PYD. The Five C’s include competence, confidence, connection, character, and caring (Lerner, et al., 2005). Using an outcome evaluation, this study determined how effective a sports-based youth program, Elite Youth of America (EYA) Sports, was at implementing positive youth development. Specifically, this study focused on activities that influenced changes in the character, confidence, and connection of program participants. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to answer the research questions, as interviews and surveys revealed the valuable insight on program operations. The data collection process revealed EYA Sports promotes character by modeling correct behaviors and helping youth develop traits of good, contributing citizens. They promote confidence by consistently encouraging their youth participants and having an intense attention to detail that allows athletes to see their growth. Lastly, the sports-based youth program promotes connection by creating a family atmosphere and being relatable and accessible to their youth.
- Program Analysis of Student Athlete Workshop Beyond VTJohnson, Branden R. (Virginia Tech, 2020-08-03)This research study evaluated the effectiveness of the Virginia Tech Office of Student Athlete Development’s Beyond VT event. Study participants attended the Beyond VT event, a career development workshop offered to graduating senior student athletes in preparation for their transition into the working world. Interviews were conducted with nine event participants from seven different sports. Through literature review comparisons of similar student-athlete development programs/workshops, results have been examined to determine the findings through qualitative evaluation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, analyzed, and resulting unique codes were grouped into categories revealing six emerging themes for future program improvements. The results indicated participants felt more comfortable moving into the working world after attending the Beyond VT workshop; however, student-athletes still felt uneasy about the transition due to missing information dealing with additional financial advice, effective time management adjustments, finding new self-identity, and the uncertainty of a plan B. This research can be used to further develop programming efforts in the Office of Student Athlete Development at Virginia Tech, as well as other student-athlete development offices around the country, in terms of preparing student-athletes for life after graduation.
- Program Evaluation of Athletic Department Student Support Services for International Student-Athletes (ISA) at Virginia TechMagarity, Regan A. (Virginia Tech, 2020-05-01)The program evaluation of athletic department student support services for international student-athletes (ISA) at Virginia Tech provides insight into current support practices and provides recommendations for program improvement. ISA are likely to experience adjustment issues during their time in college, especially in first year enrollment. The transition from their home countries to Virginia Tech requires emotional, social, academic and athletic support. A survey instrument was distributed to ISA at Virginia Tech, recording 11 respondents from seven sports teams with eight different nationalities. Survey findings were presented to three athletic administrators who have been interacting with student-athletes for a number of years. Athletic administrators provided personal insight and emphasized the importance of identifying international athletes' needs. During the 2019/2020 season, ISA represented 7% of athletics at Virginia Tech and provided significant cultural diversity to the university. The program evaluation recognizes ISA ideas and thoughts presented through the survey instrument with emphasis on strengthening and individualizing student support for the ISA population. An evaluation of student support services provided by the athletic department is presented. Support services such as study hall, sport psychology, mentoring and alumni associations are presented throughout this study. Program improvement is recommended by implementing a mentorship program for ISA, creating an outlet outside of athletics and better identifying each ISA need. A copy of the program evaluation was provided to athletic administrators at Virginia Tech.
- The Recruiting Process: What Virginia Tech Baseball Coaches Are Really Looking ForAlford, Peyton (Virginia Tech, 2021-05-17)This research study described what non-physical skills are looked for when recruiting a prospective player for the Virginia Tech baseball team. Study participants included six Virginia Tech baseball coaches where each of the individuals were interviewed separately regarding their recruiting process for themselves and how they build a team. Through literature review, comparisons of the skills recruited by Virginia Tech coaches are also desired by some of the top businesses in the world. Through qualitative interviews with the coaching using semi-structured interviews, the information was gathered and analyzed resulting in unique codes that were grouped into categories revealing five emerging themes for future program enhancements. The results indicated that coaches look for many of the same similarities as business recruiters in terms of soft skills and that players still need to improve on some certain aspects such as, communication skills, dedication levels, confidence levels, leadership skills, and dependability. The coaches are Virginia Tech now can understand what they have done in the past and can build upon their recruiting strategies using this research. This study can be used for individuals trying to play college athletics one day in order to understand what coaches are looking for. While some coaches may be different, this is an exact rubric of what the Virginia Tech baseball coaches look for and can be beneficial for prospective athletes to understand before they try out for any college teams. This can also be used for individuals trying to get a job due to the similarities between business recruiters and coaches.
- The Recruitment of Student-Athletes: Building Trust Between Coaches and PlayersBede, Wabissa; Rateau, Richard J.; Drape, Tiffany A.; Wolf, Lyle (Virginia Tech, 2021-08-10)This study is focused on the recruitment of college athletes. Specifically, research centered on the aspects of the recruitment process and how they influenced a prospective student-athlete’s decision. The theory, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, provided a framework for this study. A total of seven participants were interviewed using a qualitative research method. Each participant was a current or former Virginia Tech men’s basketball player who went through the recruitment process. After a thorough analysis of the data, five themes emerged: Relationships, Playing in the ACC, Coaching Style, Honesty/Transparency/Trust, and Academics. These were the aspects that mattered most to recruits and weighed heavily on their decision. Based on these findings, recommendations were made to current and future coaches. These recommendations include focusing on building relationships with players, maintaining honesty/transparency throughout the recruitment process, and highlighting academics and their coaching style.
- The Roadblocks Women in Virginia Face in Sports MediaSheppard, Aisha (Virginia Tech, 2021-11-08)Roadblocks for women in Virginia sports media were explored. The study helps provide guidance to improve opportunities for women in Virginia sports media and allow the the same opportunities as their male counterparts. The literature review examined the theoretical framework needed to help further explain the needs of women in sports media and how roadblocks they face affect them. The theoretical framework applied within the study was Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Study participants included two women who have over 20+ years of experience within sports media. The interviews were semi-structured providing feedback that gave insight into personal experiences within their individual career paths. Qualitative interviews were collected and analyzed, and five themes emerged leading to the recommendations. The recommendations were aimed toward women looking to become sports journalists in Virginia. The results determined that women in sports media in Virginia should focus on five distinct themes: Work Ethic, Be Who You Are, Experience, Diversity, and Giving Back. Women already working within the field of sports media and young aspiring journalists should be transparent throughout the process. People placed in leadership positions should understand how important opportunities are, how to focus on improving leadership/decision making, creating more work-like experiences, and understanding diversity for the young aspiring journalists entering the field.
- Strategies for Academic Improvement at Rutgers UniversityRosa, Austin (Virginia Tech, 2021-08-12)A college athlete has the unique opportunity to both play their sport at a competitive level, while at the same time balancing the work that goes into earning their degree. College athletes that graduate, as compared to their non-athlete counterparts, experience more positive long-term outcomes and because of this, Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey has placed emphasis on this for their student athletes. The purpose of this project is to explore the programmatic strategies used by the Rutgers University Football Academic Support Staff, which lead to student athlete GPAs to increase from 2004-2019.